Mother of five Linda Paekau has fulfilled her dream of opening her own bakery kitchen, as the result of years of hard mahi, sacrifice and determination.

Te Kaitao Auaha kitchen is more than just a bakery to Linda.  Inspired by her passion for cooking after being raised by her Nan and Koro, some of her fondest childhood memories are centred around kai and the aroha that came with it. 

“My Nan was always in the kitchen cooking and baking, while my koro’s mince or gravy beef stews and mashed carrots, and potatoes or silverbeet were meals that brought comfort.”

Their influence is woven throughout Te Kaitao Auaha. In honour of them, they have named some of their signature pies after the meals she grew up with, including Koro’s Mince Stew and Mash Pie and Nana’s Smoked Fish Pie. 

“Every time I make them, it reminds me of my childhood the smell of smoked kahawai folded in a white sauce with onions - delicious."

Linda is proud of where she comes from and rooted deep within her whakapapa. Born and raised in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) but proud to be a descendant of Ngāti Maniapoto/Rereahu, the family relocated from Auckland to Southland for lifestyle changes nine years ago.

“We come with nothing and now blessed with everything, but one day in the next six years I wish to move back home to the Waikato to be closer to my whanau. Hopefully by then I will have a food truck and leave the business down here to one of my kids to run.”

As a māmā of five tamariki, much of her life has been spent caring for others through kai. 

“I have worked as a chef and cook in fine dining restaurants, pubs, schools, kōhanga reo, and community organisations. I hold a qualification through London City & Guilds and have always been passionate about feeding people and bringing whānau together around good food.”

She said her colourful past has influenced her journey in life but she has remained a resilient and strong wāhine, proud to be Māori and loves the person she is today. 

“For many years, owning my own pakihi felt impossible. It was a dream I carried for a long time, but one that seemed out of reach. That changed when I was working alongside my whānau navigator from Ngā Kete. “

During the completion of a goal plan, Linda shared her dream of opening her own business. 

“At the time, I honestly thought it was something that would never happen.

"What changed everything was having someone believe in me and tell me there was support available to help make that dream a reality. That conversation gave me hope. 

“Once I realised there was a pathway forward, I grabbed hold of the opportunity with both hands and refused to let go.

“The journey wasn’t easy. There were many hurdles along the way, and getting to the finish line required a lot of determination, patience and faith.”

Linda’s husband played a massive role in helping her achieve this dream.

Alongside that, she worked tirelessly through fundraising sales, long nights, and countless hours of mahi to raise the money needed to get Te Kaitao Auaha off the ground.

The name Te Kaitao Auaha reflects creativity in the kitchen and the freedom to create kai that tells a story. Te kaitao Auaha means the creative chef. 

“Our products celebrate Murihiku, our culture, our whānau, and the flavours we grew up with. 

“We incorporate local ingredients and create unique products that people won’t find anywhere else. Titi, pāua, kina, ika…”

Daughter Rongokui makes all the desserts, and her good friend has come down from Auckland to give her a lending hand with catering and running the business.

Mana also works part time after school and helps make all the pies and jumbo sausage rolls. 

“Every pie, dessert, and baked good that leaves our kitchen is made with pride, passion, and aroha.”

Opening her shop has been one of the proudest moments of Linda’s life. 

The support from her hapori has been overwhelming and humbling. 

“Seeing people come through our doors, hearing them share stories about food that reminds them of their own grandparents and childhood memories, and watching customers return time and time again reminds me why I started this journey.”

Te Kaitao Auaha is not just a bakery. It is a tribute to her grandparents, a reflection of her whānau, and proof that dreams can become reality when people believe in you.

“My dream became a reality. Te Kaitao Auaha was built on aroha, resilience, whakapono, and a desire to create something meaningful for my whānau and community. This is only the beginning of our journey, and I am excited to see where it leads.”

The bakery officially opened at the end of April.
Follow: Te Kaitao Auaha Kitchen on Facebook
Where: Southcity Mall
Open: Tuesday - Friday 8-5, Saturdays 8-3

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